November Favourites

November Favourites blog post cover

Before this blog goes in full blown Christmas mode, indulge in my November favourites for trendy fall/winter fashion finds, cozy home decor for the holidays, new music you need to hear and two juicy shows that will have you hooked from the first episode!

Fashion

Let’s start this off with two fashion must-haves for your late fall/early winter wardrobe!

 

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* Shackets *

EXACT: Check Shacket, Boohoo, $52.80 // SIMILAR: Keelee Jacket Blue, Princess Polly, $114; Houston Shacket in Khaki Camo, Garage, $54.95

Shackets (“shirt jackets”) are the new it jacket and they’re the perfect solution for wanting to wear a flannel in the colder months while keeping yourself warm and cozy. To get multiple outfits out of one jacket, I recommend wearing it undone with a thermal long-sleeve underneath, or pairing it with your fave plain-coloured sweater as temperatures start to drop.

Girl wearing UGG Winter Boots
(Photo courtesy of tradesy.com)

* UGG Boots *

Adirondack III Boot, UGG, $295 // Yose Fluff, UGG, $195

You’ve likely seen UGG slippers taking over your Instagram feed since the start of stay-at-home orders. In addition to their classic styles, you may be surprised to know UGG also sells a wide selection of traditional winter boots — a wise pick for our unpredictable Canadian winters! The Adirondack boot pictured above is a top seller, temperature rated to -32˚C, while the Yose Fluff (my fave!) keeps your feet toasty — and gives you the on-trend look — for less. 💸

Home Decor

Why wait until December to make your space as festive as possible?!

Small flocked Christmas tree with jute base from Indigo

* Small Tree with Jute Base *

Available from Indigo for $34.50

Decked out with stunningly realistic flocked branches, this 24″ tree is perfect for a table centrepiece or small space in your room. Stay tuned to my Instagram to see how I decorate mine!

Hockey Moose ornament from Indigo, featuring a moose fitted with an oversized red and white jersey with a hockey stick and skates

* Hockey Moose Ornament *

Available from Indigo for $14.50

I already know this will be the best ornament on my tree. It doesn’t get much cuter, or more Canadian, than a stuffed moose with a hockey stick! He just needs a double double from Tim Hortons to cement his citizenship. 🇨🇦

Wool-sock stripe print throw blanket from Simons

* Wool-Sock Stripe Throw *

Available from Simons for $45

Once your tree is up, maximize the Christmas vibes with an oversized blanket for your bed or couch — perfect for nights in watching holiday movies. As you can imagine, it was love at first sight with this wool-sock printed throw from Simons. Grab a pair of equally-cozy striped wool socks to complete the best matching set you could possibly own!

Music

Ahead of having your Christmas playlist on repeat 24/7, press play on my picks for the best new music of the month!

* Plastic Hearts by Miley Cyrus (Album) *

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve heard a record with no skips, but Miss Miley brought all the heat for her new ’70s and ’80s pop-rock inspired album, Plastic Hearts. Announced in August alongside the release of lead single “Midnight Sky,” this long-awaited album is Miley’s first full-length release since 2017 and follows 2019’s She Is Coming, which ended up being a stand-alone EP from the scrapped She Is Miley Cyrus project. I’m holding out hope we can see some of these tracks performed live in 2021, especially the powerhouse collab with Dua Lipa, “Prisoner.” (P.S. If 2020 has brought us anything positive, it’s been the amount and quality of these catchy female collabs — from Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, to Dua and Miley, to Bebe Rexha and Doja Cat. Give it to me, ladies! 🔥)

Must-listen tracks: “Plastic Hearts” (a solid title track!), “Night Crawling” featuring Billy Idol (this was made for being in the pit at a concert jamming out), and “Prisoner” with Dua Lipa (watch the music video above!)

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January Favourites

January Favourites - Angela McLean

New year, new monthly series on the blog! In 2019, I shared my favourite tunes with you each month through groovy, curated playlists. There’s one for every mood and occasion, so I highly (and humbly) recommend you go back and listen to all 12 — your music library will thank me later.

This year, I’ll be highlighting a sampling of all my faves — fashion, beauty, books, music and movies & TV — with monthly Favourites lists. Let’s face it: If I’ve been hooked on a product/show/song for a month, I’m in for the long run. So, get out your Notes app and shopping list — the fun starts now!

Fashion

* Blanket Scarves *

SIMILAR: Aritzia, $88 // Aritzia, $29.99 (exact from Aldo, $20 sold out)

I have to be honest — I’m not much of a scarf person. I end up getting super hot super fast and they always give me a bump in the back of my hair. But my outlook on scarves quickly changed when I picked up my first blanket scarf. The one pictured above is from Aldo and it’s a BLESSING — no fuzzies shed, I get the right amount of warmth and it’s a super cute accessory. Even on a bitterly cold night, I can wear a short sleeve shirt under my winter jacket, put this scarf on top and I’m in a perfectly warm cocoon. It also becomes an office-appropriate blanket if I keep it draped around my shoulders. Winning all around.

* Statement Booties *

SIMILAR (Buckle Booties): Topshop (The Bay), $190 (exact discontinued)

EXACT (Stud Booties) [NOT PICTURED]: Steve Madden, $129.98 on sale

I’ve written extensively about the power of a good pair of booties. The sound! The added height! I could go on and on. These Topshop buckle boots have been my precious babies for more than a year, so I’ve been devastated seeing them fall apart before my very eyes. 😿 While I look for the perfect replacement, I’m currently breaking in an edgy studded Steve Madden look that is easy to dress up or dress down. I just have to remind myself, no pain, no gain!

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12 New Christmas Songs That Will Be Instant Classics (+ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!)

new christmas music 2019

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎶

Every winter, I love adding the latest holiday singles to my Christmas playlist. My heart fills with festive joy hearing all the new melodies, lyrics and fresh twists applied to Christmas classics. It’s like the 12 days of Christmas — music edition!

This year, artists like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves and the Jonas Brothers came through with fresh takes on the OGs and new releases that are sure to be instant holiday staples. Scroll down for this month’s playlist and press play on 12 of the latest and greatest holiday tunes!

Also, keep your eyes peeled in this post for my Christmas appreciation giveaway — you don’t want to miss out!

You’re guaranteed to fall in love with the full playlist, but here are five songs that will instantly warm you up.

“Christmas Tree Farm” — Taylor Swift

If Taylor’s hit single “Lover” didn’t give you enough holiday vibes, “Christmas Tree Farm” will be the best gift to your playlist. I knew this song was going to be incredible when I saw Jimmy Napes, my favourite songwriter and producer, was involved in the production — and boy, was I right. I just want to grab my friends and sway back and forth belting these lyrics every. single. time I hear it… and the fact she wrote this a week before its release? Tay is unstoppable!

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Playlist: December finds & faves

December finds & faves playlist cover

There are few things I love more than the holiday season. Picture this: being at home stress-free, laying on the couch with a blanket, some eggnog or hot chocolate, the fireplace channel on TV (works just as well!) and Christmas music in the background. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! (That’s been me every day since finishing school and I’m so happy.)

Don’t know where to start with the music? My December finds & faves playlist will be the perfect soundtrack to your winter days and nights. I included some of the latest hits from the year’s top artists, plus a wide variety of Christmas classics and new releases – it’s ideal for every setting!

Scroll on to listen to this month’s playlist and discover six must-listen tracks.

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